Adella Gray, Secretary Doug Prichard, Past President Cathy Baird, Vernon Collins, Patty Goyette, Ned Irving, Jerre Jouett, Carol Spears, Patty Stiles
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chuck Nickle, President
Will Clark, Vice-President
LeRoy Duell, Treasurer Dr. Kim Chapman, Secretary
Chuck Culver, Jack Mitchell, Tom Olmstead, Derrik Olsen, David Renfroe, Tim Stults, Beth Vaughan-Wrobel, David (Dave) Williams, Martha (Marti) Woodruff
As plans fall into place for the coming holiday season and we work our way toward the final pages of this year’s calendar, I have been thinking about what makes Butterfield unique. It's not just our facilities or amenities – though we certainly do take pride in those things. What sets us apart is something far more precious: the generous spirit of our residents, staff and supporters who have poured their hearts and means into making this place a true home.
The power of giving runs deep through every corner of the Village. When residents share their wisdom and hospitality with newcomers, volunteers dedicate time and talents to enhance our community through board membership, and individuals or families choose to invest in our community's future – such acts of generosity create ripples that touch every life here. Over the decades, this kind of giving spirit has helped build and refresh our facilities, funded cultural programming, enriched our indoor and outdoor environments, supported others in times of need, and created the warm, welcoming atmosphere that defines our campus.
Here's the essential truth about giving: it's never a one-way street. When we give with purpose, we receive immeasurably in return. We receive friendship, satisfaction and happiness that comes from being part of something greater than ourselves. Every volunteer finds new connections and fresh perspectives; every donor experiences the fulfillment of making a difference.
Entering this season of thanksgiving and celebration, let’s recognize that Butterfield isn't just somewhere to live – it's a thriving place many people have built together through vision and commitment. Our culture exists because our residents choose to connect here rather than simply reside here. Our services are topnotch because of the investment and dedication of people who care. Our sense of community flourishes because neighbors become family.
I invite you to continue our tradition of giving and receiving this holiday season. Whether by volunteering, making a gift of resources, sharing encouragement, or through all of these things, your contributions do matter and are appreciated.
Warm regards,
Kevin Spears Chief Executive Officer Butterfield Trail Village
Opened in 1986, Butterfield Trail Village is a locally governed 501(c)(3) non-profit retirement community. As Northwest Arkansas’ only comprehensive Life Plan Retirement Community, BTV offers active older adults worry-free living that is secure, independent and fulfilling –and the freedom to enjoy plentiful activities both inside and outside the Village.
SATURDAY, DEC 6 / 2PM & 7:30PM
Jack Cleghorn, Guest Conductor
A pops concert showcasing holiday classics with the SoNA Singers and special guest soloists.
SUNDAY, DEC 7 / 2PM
Sarah Pearson, SoNA Assistant Conductor
Holiday music for children of all ages and a special screening of the runaway hit film, The Snowman, with live orchestral soundtrack
Jim & Andrea Romine
Dedicated to Helping People & Changing Lives
Jim and Andrea Romine have enjoyed 62 years of marriage, residing in Fayetteville for more than 50 of those years. They became engrained in the community, and each dedicated four decades to their careers at The New School and Parkhill The Clinic for Women.
They’ve traveled together extensively, and did so even more once their sons were grown. They’ve been to Japan, the Galapagos Islands, and East Africa, where they saw lions and giraffes. They’ve explored Europe through several river cruises and have twice visited Alaksa, where Andrea once accidently caught — and released — a beaver while fishing.
They’ve also done fishing trips in Canada, and have traveled to Mexico and 48 U.S. states. Jim trekked to a lookout point at Everest Base Camp in Nepal, and he and their youngest son, Matt, hiked to a 12,000foot elevation at Mont Blanc in France. Andrea secretly took fly fishing lessons and surprised Jim with her newfound skills on a trip to the White River.
“I just love experiencing new places, and being able to see and experience other cultures,” Andrea said.
Photographs and other memorabilia from their travels and life together decorate their double office, with two desks and computers. The furniture in their apartment includes family heirlooms – such as Andrea’s grandfather's chair and her grandmother's tea cart.
Navigating mobility issues as they’ve aged, their travel days are behind them. But they stay plenty
busy and engaged by connecting with fellow Butterfield Trail Village residents and joining in the range of activities and programs offered. Among their favorites are monthly jam session sing-alongs and the recent 1950s-themed sock hop, where they mostly talked with friends and reminisced about that era.
Beginning a Lifetime Together
Jim and Andrea both love to dance, and it’s what would bring them together. Growing up in Little Rock, Andrea started taking dance lessons at age 3 and continued those through college, including tap, ballet, pointe, modern and acrobatics classes. Jim played touch football with the neighborhood kids, rode his bike to school, and enjoyed taking a 10-cent trolley ride to see a 15-cent movie at the theater on Hillcrest.
In 1946, Andrea’s parents founded the Anthony School in their home, and her mother ran the private school, which began as one kindergarten class. In their wood-paneled station wagon, her dad drove students to and from school for a small fee. The school grew over the years, with preschool, kindergarten and elementary classrooms built adjacent to their home.
Andrea got interested in children’s theater around age 12, when her mother rented a local auditorium for students to put on a play. Andrea hung out backstage while her mother directed the play that her grandfather wrote, and her grandmother played the music she’d written for piano.
Words by Michelle Parks / Photos by Stephen Ironside
Jim and Andrea met in seventh grade when he arrived at the school with friends to learn ballroom dancing from her mother. The pair went through junior high and high school together and eventually started dating. Jim remembers seeing her in the halls, her hair in a long ponytail, wearing poodle skirts and saddle oxfords. She thought he was handsome, smart, kind and an excellent dancer.
Andrea loved high school, where she was a varsity cheerleader and took all the dance and theater classes she could. Jim played on the basketball team and was most interested in math and sciences. They both graduated as Cume Laude Society members from Little Rock Central High in 1958. A few years later, Jim would set his sights on practicing medicine, and he studied fervently to ensure he’d get into medical school. His desire to focus his practice on women’s health has roots in the strong women who raised him, and he considered it a bit of payback for his upbringing.
Careers Spent Pursuing Their Passions
Jim first got a full scholarship to Duke University to study biology, and his mother and Andrea put him on a Greyhound bus bound for North Carolina. The sweethearts exchanged letters to stay in touch. He abandoned pursuit of that degree after his junior year, when he was accepted into medical school at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock.
Andrea went to Baylor University in Texas for a year and a half before transferring to the University of Arkansas in 1960 to pursue her passions of dance, theater and education. She pledged Pi Beta Phi, took dance classes and education classes, and earned a bachelor’s degree in education.
The couple married in June 1963 and, following medical school, moved to Atlanta, Georgia, for him to complete his internship at Grady Memorial Hospital. Jim recalls delivering 24 babies in 24 hours there. He then got a military deferment to do his obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) residency over four years at UAMS. Andrea taught at her parents’ school, and their first son, Jay, was born in 1967.
Next, they moved to northern California, where he served in the Air Force medical corps at David Grant Hospital and Travis Air Force Base. While many of
his physician friends were serving in hospitals in Vietnam, he was delivering babies, doing surgical procedures and instructing medical students.
With a desire to return to Arkansas, the growing family left California in 1972 bound for Fayetteville, where they would welcome their second son, Matt, in 1973. When they arrived, the Northwest Arkansas Mall had just opened, and the landscape north toward Springdale was cow-filled pastures.
Planting Deep Roots in Fayetteville
As the Romines quickly set down roots in Fayetteville, Jim joined Parkhill The Clinic for Women, practicing alongside doctors George Cole and Harmon Lushbaugh. Thus began a 40-year career in obstetrics and gynecology, during which Jim served as chief of staff at Washington Regional Medical Center and was also instrumental in the establishment of North Hills Medical Park and Willow Creek Women's Hospital. From medical school until his retirement, Jim delivered about 8,000 babies.
With only three doctors at Parkhill at the time, one was always on call at the hospital to handle any patient need, since there were no emergency room doctors in the 1970s. Early on, the medical equipment wasn’t yet sophisticated, and they didn’t have ultrasound for fetal monitoring. For one pregnancy, he recalls the diagnosis was twins. Once he’d delivered those two babies, he saw another foot pop out. “I was really surprised!”
When Jim came to Fayetteville, he brought laparoscopic surgery and epidural anesthesia. The Parkhill doctors saw that the medical profession didn’t prioritize women’s needs back then, and they were determined to change attitudes and practices. They promoted women’s health care and advocated that women become a greater priority.
Soon after they arrived in 1972, Andrea joined the staff at The New School, then a private preschool and kindergarten in its infancy. She taught music and creative movement classes and began to write and produce theater productions for the children. She served 18 years as the Assistant Director and was also on the Board of Directors. In 1972, she began writing short plays and presenting them in rearranged classrooms using sheets for curtains.
By 1980, the school had built a new building with a dedicated stage and auditorium. Andrea assembled a talented production staff for music, costumes and theater sets.
Like the school her parents operated, The New School evolved and expanded over the years. They began producing four plays a year with the younger grades and eventually did Broadway Junior plays of Annie and Fiddler on the Roof with older students. “I loved interacting with the children of all ages while directing the plays. Watching them discover the magic of theater was a fulfilling experience for me,” she said.
As members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Andrea taught some Sunday school classes and directed the annual Christmas pageant for 14 years. She recalls one year when the actors took the stage, and unbeknownst to her, the baby brother of the girl portraying Mary made his stage debut as the baby Jesus. The congregation gasped when he raised his tiny hand from the manger.
Andrea was involved in the community over the years, serving as president of Junior Civic League, a Cub Scout leader and a Pi Beta Phi advisor, and continues to be active in the organization of PEO. In 1999, she received the Encouragement Award through the Arkansas Arts Council’s Governor’s Arts Awards program. And when she retired in 2016 after 44 years, The New School surprised her by naming the new performance stage The Andrea Romine Stage – giving her a plaque she proudly displays at home.
Before moving to BTV in July 2023, they’d lived 43 years in the home they built on Boston Mountain View Drive. Downsizing from a large home to an apartment was daunting, but their granddaughter helped tremendously.
Right at Home at BTV
Familiar with BTV from their time in Fayetteville, Jim and Andrea got on the Carriage Club list several years ago. They’re very happy with their Second Floor South apartment and living in the main building because everything is so handy – from the dining room and performance hall to the mail stop and library.
They enjoy reconnecting with old friends and developing new friendships at BTV. Former neighbors now live two doors down the hall, and one of Andrea’s best friends is across the hall. They especially delight in running into residents whose children were in Andrea’s plays or were delivered by Jim.
They had a home gym before moving to BTV, and Jim played tennis and pickleball and participated in marathons and triathlons. Now, Jim maintains his exercise regimen with resistance training three times a week, workouts in the pool and frequent walks on the nearby Razorback Greenway. Andrea attends a chair yoga class and does water jogging with friends in the pool on Sundays. She also takes an acrylic art class twice a month and likes to pop into the bistro and run into friends.
Their four granddaughters and two greatgrandchildren all live in the region, and the greatgrands regularly have sleepovers, camping out in sleeping bags on pallets in the living room. They also host birthday parties for their family in their apartment.
Jim doesn’t know how to use the stove and doesn’t plan to learn. But he does prep their coffee maker each evening, so they can quickly enjoy drinking it together in the mornings. He regularly reads The New York Times, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, The Atlantic and other magazines, and is a frequent BTV library customer. Andrea has been in a monthly book club for about 20 years. They recently read A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles, and are next reading his Table for Two, a collection of short fiction.
They’re approaching the future as they’ve always done. “We plan to live in the present, continue to learn and participate, and live life to the fullest,” Andrea said.
Bryce and Beth Hopkins Anniversaries
When did you move to Butterfield?
We moved to Butterfield in July of 2025.
Where are you from?
We moved from Northern Virginia, outside of Washington D.C. Bryce is originally from Maryland, and Beth's father was in the Air Force, so she "grew up" in many locations. We came to live in Fayetteville in 1998.
What did you do before retirement?
Bryce is a retired accountant. He worked with numerous organizations, including the United Way of Washington County and Walton Arts Center. Bryce is also a veteran of the Vietnam War. Beth is a retired RN. She was an Army nurse for several years and was also on active duty in the Public Health Service.
Do you have children and grandchildren?
Bryce has one son and three grandsons in Pennsylvania.
Why did you choose to come to Butterfield?
Butterfield is a unique Life Care facility that offers a progressive care option as we age.
November Anniversaries
Hansell Schaefer and Barbara Mulkey 20th
Jerry and Harriet Jansma 20th
Mike and Susan Cruse 21st
Dale and Linda Batson 23rd
Lou and Trisha Beland 23rd
Paul and Susan Rountree 27th
Derl and Marilyn Horn 30th
December Anniversaries
Gary and Adella Gray 26th
Doug and Barbara Prichard 27th
Bob and Diane Shaw 27th
Tony Stankus and Chris Soutter 29th
Jim and Nancy Blair 30th
Bill and Deeg Mitchell 31st
New Neighbors
Christine Klinger
Jay McDonald
Joyce Underwood
Chris Hale
Leaving a Legacy of Care and Kindness
When Chris Hale walked into her interview for an executive assistant position in 2012, she had no idea for whom she was interviewing – the location was kept secret until she was hired. She didn't know what a continuing care retirement community was and certainly didn’t expect the “apartment complex” she’d seen on Joyce Boulevard would become the center of her life.
Chris relocated to Arkansas from Atlanta, where she'd worked with Walmart vendors. When her company closed its local office and assumed she would return to Atlanta, Chris chose differently. Her son Mark lived in Fayetteville, and many high school classmates from Mena had settled in the area. It just felt like home. Within a month, she landed at Butterfield, hired immediately after a single interview. When the recruiter called just an hour later to offer her the position, Chris was stunned. But Butterfield already saw something in her that she would embody every day: a servant's heart. “I just immersed myself,” says Chris. “The lines between work-life balance blurred, and Butterfield just kind of became my life.” Over the years, Chris's role became more than that of an executive assistant. She evolved into what she describes as the “mother” of Butterfield – someone employees came to for help or guidance, someone residents trusted implicitly.
Chris recalls getting a middle-of-the-night emergency alert for Butterfield, the result of an air conditioning unit fire. She raced to the campus, where smoke was filling the halls of one of the apartment wings. A fireman tried to stop her from entering, but Chris insisted. “These are my people. I have to go in there.” Checking the halls, she found one resident on the second floor, unable to walk down the stairs. Her solution? A piggyback ride. With firemen in front and behind her, Chris carried the tiny, frail woman down to safety.
But it was the quieter moments that better defined her time at Butterfield – the hours both on and off the clock she dedicated to helping residents navigate a whole array of challenges. Countless times, she checked in on those who were struggling, whose
“It's a caring, loving community. The staff’s number-one priority has always been the residents.”
–Chris Hale
families lived far away. “I did a lot that no one knew about,” she says. “It just fit in with what I like to do. I like to help people.”
Now, after navigating multiple health challenges this year, Chris has listened to her son's plea to retire and join them in Destin, Florida. Son Mark, “daughter-inlove” Jamie, a grandson and two granddaughters (one due late October) are excited to settle Chris in an apartment just walking distance away. She beams when describing her plan to help with school runs, assist with the newborn and cook family dinner twice a week. “My grandparents passed away early,” Chris says. “I was always envious when my friends would talk about time with their grandparents. I decided if I ever got to be a grandparent, I wanted to create good memories.” Answering to “Oma” now, she couldn’t be more thrilled.
Despite her excitement, Chris has acutely felt the pangs of leaving. And there’s something she wants people to understand about Butterfield: “It's a caring, loving community. The staff's number-one priority has always been the residents.” It's a philosophy Chris embodied for the 13 years she spent at BTV, an extension of who she is. “Butterfield, without me even knowing it, became my perfect spot. How I’ll miss it.”
Featured Village Events
COMING IN NOVEMBER
THURSDAY, NOV 6 | 2:30 PM
PERFORMANCE HALL
MONDAY, NOV 10 | 7:00 PM PERFORMANCE HALL
THURSDAY, NOV 13 | 2:30 PM PERFORMANCE HALL
Resident Lecture Series: Bill “Mitch” Mitchell, Former CEO of Walton Arts Center Northwest Arkansas is now a welcoming home to diverse, world-class international creators. As Walton Art Center’s first CEO, Bill Mitchell, recalls, "The artistic life of the region prior to Walton Arts Center (WAC) primarily consisted of a few community theatre and university projects and a combined community/university orchestra. That was about it." Arriving in Fayetteville in 1987, after being recruited from the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Bill met a determined Helen Walton, who was tired of taking her family to the orchestra at the University of Arkansas’ old men’s gym. Hear Mitch describe how WAC came to fruition to serve the region with artistic vigor and variety.
COMING IN DECEMBER
FRIDAY, DEC 12 | 6-9 PM PERFORMANCE HALL
Unified by Service: A Tribute to our Country’s Veterans
Though veterans come from different backgrounds and branches of the armed forces, their service is united by a common oath to defend our nation. They share a common purpose of country before self, standing ready to defend our nation’s values and freedoms. Residents, their families and guests are invited to celebrate our nation’s veterans who have valiantly defended our democracy and U.S. Constitution. As we honor those who unselfishly placed their lives on the line for our freedom in wartime and peacetime, please help us unite, raise their spirits, and show our faith in the United States of America.
Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree Village Dinner & Dance
Pop legend Brenda Lee will be smiling on Butterfield during this joyous gathering festooned with holiday fun. Local band, The Push Pins, is guaranteed to help us rock around the Christmas tree – and residents will enjoy a lovely pre-plated dinner, wine and a craft cocktail. All eyes will sparkle as we reveal the stage décor and capture photos by the towering lobby Christmas tree. Help us embrace all of the season’s goodness and let that end-of-year stress just melt away!
Filmmaker Larry Foley presents James Burton Blair: Nothing but the Truth; The Improbable Life of an Arkansas Giant Join filmmaker and director Larry Foley for his latest film about Arkansas icon, Jim Blair. In his 90 years, Blair befriended, mentored and worked with a rich cast of monumental Arkansas and national decision makers, including business tycoons, politicians – and even a U.S. president. As corporate attorney for Tyson Foods, he worked alongside Don Tyson as the company became the largest poultry producer in the U.S. A dedicated philanthropist, Blair made the largest gift ever to a public library in Arkansas — the Blair Library in his Fayetteville hometown — where his lifelong love of books and reading was cultivated. Jim and his wife, Nancy, are Butterfield residents.
Sock It to Alzheimer's Dinner & Dance
Tour of Springdale's Don Tyson School of Innovation
Caribbean Vibes Dinner & Dance
BTV Gardeners' Annual Watermelon Feed
Jim & Andrea Romine’s Apartment
Jim and Andrea Romine's gracious two-bedroom Ultra apartment is beautifully decorated with traditional decor that keeps comfort in mind. Their spacious open concept living room features cozy seating perfectly arranged for conversation, as well as convenient nearby access to one of the apartment's two outdoor balconies.
A gallery wall and hutch share a collection of memorabilia, along with photos of cherished family and snapshots of life memories. A plaque commemorates the naming of The New School's performance stage in honor of Andrea, recognizing her tireless contributions to the school's thriving theatre program.
An elegant contemporary chandelier casts warm light over a roomy dining table for four. The space flows seamlessly from the large main living area and kitchen, making everyday activities accessible at arm's length without sacrificing space.
The modern kitchen boasts clean, bright cabinetry, full-sized appliances and a large sink. Dark granite countertops serve as a striking accent against the predominately white space and offer ample room for meal preparation and entertaining. Beautiful, vibrant paintings accompany floral arrangements and foliage to provide cheerful pops of color.
The primary ensuite bedroom offers a peaceful retreat with direct access to a second private patio, further extending the Romines' living space. The neutral tones of bedding and dark wood are accented by warm accessories and a hint of classic florals. Small, tasteful treasures and a few items of decor offer a bit of additional personality to create an elegant place of respite.
The second-floor outdoor perches are furnished with comfortable seating, just made for relaxing and enjoying the fresh air in every season. The balconies also provide additional exterior storage closets, perfect for tucking away seasonal decorations or container gardening supplies.
The Romines use their apartment’s second bedroom as a well-appointed office, with plenty of room for his and hers desks and computers. Wonderful original art lines the walls in the office, just as it does throughout the residence – and many of the lovely pieces were skillfully painted by Andrea herself.
Like the rest of the apartment, this full bath is painted a creamy yellow, serving as a warm, complementary backdrop to showcase art and furniture.
Giving Hearts: Impact through a Legacy of Care
Butterfield Trail Village Foundation
As we gather with loved ones this holiday season, we're reminded of what truly matters: community, connection and caring for one another. These values come to life every day on our campus, thanks in part to the generosity of Butterfield Trail Village Foundation donors. For over 40 years, the BTV Foundation has been turning compassion into action. Founded in 1984, the Foundation exists for one purpose: to enhance the quality of life for our residents by supporting initiatives that go beyond the everyday – creating moments of joy, beauty, compassion and meaningful connections.
Gifts to the BTV Foundation support programs and create experiences. They transform spaces and nurture body, mind and spirit. From the serene beauty of our Butterfly Garden to the soaring notes of world-class cultural performances, from dedicated care environments to quiet moments of reflection in our Chapel – every contribution makes a tangible difference.
Donor Gifts at Work
Larger Initiatives between 2023 - 2025
Investing in an Outstanding Continuum of Care
The Foundation's most significant recent investment was directed toward the Special Care Center’s major renovation in 2023, creating an enhanced environment specifically designed to support and engage residents with specialized needs to ensure dignity, comfort and quality of life.
Now, looking to a future of both enhanced community offerings and long-term organizational sustainability in mind, the Foundation will undertake its largest fundraising effort to date in support of a major expansion of Butterfield’s existing Assisted Living area. This initiative will greatly enhance residential options available to those who value their independence but require a bit of extra assistance –as well as serve as a home to unique amenities open to all campus residents.
Butterfly Garden Special Care Center
Bringing World-Class Entertainment Home
The Butterfield Stage Series continues to bring extraordinary talent to our community. Recent performances have featured internationally acclaimed artists including violinist Natasha Korsakova, pianist Erik Lawrence, opera soprano Barbara Padilla, baritone Jubilant Sykes, Spanish guitarist Virginia Luque and pianist Asher Armstrong. These aren't just concerts – they're unforgettable world-class experiences that enrich residents' lives and form lasting memories.
As we gather with loved ones this holiday season, we're reminded of what truly matters: community, connection and caring for one another.
Creating Moments of Joy and Celebration
From the infectious energy of Mardi Gras bands to the interactive fun of the Murder at Butterfield Mansion mystery dinner theatre, to elegant evenings with Janet Rutland at our annual Christmas Dinner and Dance – the Foundation supports special occasions that bring joy, laughter and community together.
Beautifying Our Shared Home
Art and nature combine to help make Butterfield the special place it is. The Foundation purchased several works of art by nationally acclaimed artist George Dombek for the Dining Room, arranged for new garden furniture and covered the cost of supplies to fully rehabilitate the beloved Butterfly Garden – a resident-managed sanctuary that offers beauty and solace beside our Health Care Center.
Elevating
the Everyday Experience
This year, the Foundation enhanced comfort on campus with new porch furniture for the Lodge, creating comfortable, inviting spaces for residents to gather and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Inside, we improved the acoustics in the newly renovated Dining Room with professional sound panel installation, ensuring every conversation can be fully enjoyed.
Simple Ways to Give This Season
• Memorial & Honor Gifts – Celebrate or remember someone special
• Recurring Donations – Set up monthly or annual giving for ongoing impact
• IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) – Maximize tax benefits while supporting BTV (consult your tax advisor and contact our CFO for instructions)
• Planned Giving – Include the Foundation in your estate planning
For more information about the multiple funds available to support and to give securely online, please visit butterfieldtrailvillage.org and select "BTV Foundation/Donate" under "About Us."
To donate by mail, please include your contact information and indicate if you would like your gift to be directed to a designated fund:
BTV Foundation, 1923 East Joyce Boulevard, Fayetteville, AR 72703
If you have questions or a specific request, please call (479) 442-7220 and ask to speak with the BTV Chief Financial Officer for assistance.
Every Gift Matters
No matter the size, every contribution makes a meaningful difference in the lives of Butterfield residents. The BTV Foundation directors carefully honor every donor’s specific intent for each gift and ensure donations are spent appropriately – staying true to a mission of creating the kind of community our residents deserve.
As you consider your year-end giving, we respectfully invite you to be part of the Butterfield legacy to help us continue building and enhancing the kind of senior community our current residents and the residents of tomorrow deserve.
Natasha Korsakova
Barbara Padilla Murder at Butterfield Mansion
Festival of Trees Brings Holiday Magic to Mount Sequoyah
Get ready – the Festival of Trees returns to Mount Sequoyah this month with more sparkle, spirit, and community joy than ever before! Presented by the Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation, this beloved holiday tradition transforms Mount Sequoyah’s historic Millar Lodge into a festive destination filled with music, art, laughter and light. Featuring seven events this year, the entire series unfolds throughout the month of November, allowing guests to gather inspiration early and bring the holiday magic home in time for the holidays.
The celebration begins November 13 with the Tree Topper Run, a lively evening fun-run that finishes with cocktails and cheer in Millar Lodge. On November 14, the Merry Mingle invites guests to toast the season amid glowing trees, delightful cocktails, and performances by the SoNA Singers –all in a setting reimagined as a cozy, Narnia-inspired wonderland.
Families and the grands will find pure delight at Snapshots with Santa on November 15, featuring photos with St. Nick, a holiday bar, cocoa, and a day of crafts and merriment for all ages. Then, on November 18, trivia lovers can compete for prizes at Holiday Trivia Night – complete with pizza, craft drinks, and plenty of laughs. Hosted by John Threet, with questions by the FHS Quiz Bowl team.
As the season’s momentum builds, Pinpoint PopUp on November 20 turns happy hour into a festive mixology experience with live DJ entertainment and expertly crafted cocktails prepared by Pinpoint’s own Bo Counts.
The highlight of the week then comes on November 21 with the Tree Celebration & Auction, a night of generosity and joy where beautifully decorated trees find new homes and funds raised support Mount Sequoyah’s ongoing programs. Delight in an evening of festive cheer with seasonal cocktails, food and a friendly auction, as pianist Matt Nelson plays and host Sunshine Broder returns with her signature charm.
Finally, on November 29, the free Wonderland Arts Market returns for the fourth year to showcase dozens of local and regional artisans – perfect for finding unique, handmade holiday gifts while supporting the local creative community.
Perched atop one of Fayetteville’s most scenic ridgelines, Mount Sequoyah has been a gathering place for more than 100 years, established in 1922. Originally founded as a Methodist retreat center, it now serves as a vibrant nonprofit campus for arts, culture and community connection. Its historic buildings, lush grounds and sweeping views make it an inspiring setting for year-round events –none more joyful than the Festival of Trees, which brings neighbors together to celebrate creativity, generosity and the simple wonder of the holiday season.
Tickets and details are available at mountsequoyah.org/festivaloftrees
At TheatreSquared, A New Holiday Tradition Takes the Stage
This holiday season, TheatreSquared invites you to step into Bedford Falls with a new holiday classic, It’s a Wonderful Life. Get ready to celebrate friendship and even lasso the moon in this dazzling stage adaption.
“Thanks to Butterfield Trail Village, a new holiday tradition comes to life on stage!”
–TheatreSquared
For the past six years, Northwest Arkansas has gathered at T2 for Amy Herzberg and Robert Ford’s beloved adaptation of A Christmas Carol. While Scrooge and Tiny Tim take a wellearned rest, Artistic Director Robert Ford says, “it’s time to pass the baton to another beloved tale.” Eight actors will play more than 65 roles in Ford’s original adaptation of what the American Film Institute called “the century’s most inspirational film,” ensuring the tradition of festive, heartfelt theatre continues.
It’s a Wonderful Life follows George Bailey’s poignant journey as he puts his dreams on hold while rescuing the failing family business. On Christmas Eve he stands alone, wishing he’d never been born, when a mysterious stranger appears. In this profound tale of redemption and holiday magic, even the cynics among us will cheer as George learns that "no man is a failure who has friends.”
This production is made possible in part through the generous sponsorship of Butterfield Trail Village “TheatreSquared is deeply grateful for Butterfield’s commitment to helping bring world-class theatre experiences to Northwest Arkansas,” says T2 spokesperson Andrea Newby.
It’s a Wonderful Life will open on November 19 in TheatreSquared’s West Theatre and will run through December 24. To purchase tickets, visit theatre2.org or call (479) 777-7477
Musicals Help Make the Season Bright
Coming Soon to Walton Arts Center
The holiday season sparkles with traditions that make the season magical, and few experiences feel more timeless or special than a trip to the theater. Whether you're entertaining out-of-town guests or searching for a memorable gift, or just looking for fun things to do, Broadway at Walton Arts Center offers an unforgettable way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
By Grace Lindquist
In this “howlingly funny heartbreaker of a show” (The New Yorker), Kim is forced to navigate family dysfunction, a rare genetic condition, her first crush … and possible felony charges. Ever the optimist, she is determined to find happiness against all odds and embark on a great adventure.
More shows to enjoy this holiday season at Walton Arts Center!
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis: Big Band Holidays
As the most Tony®-awarded musical in the Procter & Gamble Broadway Series, Kimberly Akimbo is “a dose of pure joy” (The New York Times) and “exceedingly rare and impossible not to love” (Variety). As part of its first national tour, this critically acclaimed production will make its Arkansas premiere at Walton Arts Center, Dec. 9-14.
Monday, Nov. 10 at 7pm
Mike Stern Band with Leni Stern, Bob Franceschini, Jimmy Haslip & Steve Pruit
Saturday, Nov. 15 at 7:30pm
Soweto Gospel Choir: Peace
Sunday, Nov. 16 at 4pm
Old Crow Medicine’s Show
Holiday Hootenanny
Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 7pm
A Very SoNA Christmas
Saturday, Dec. 7 at 2pm and 7:30pm
The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra: A Holiday Equinox
Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 7pm
Holiday Films: The Muppet Christmas Carol & Home Alone
Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 2pm and 6:30pm
A new musical about growing up and growing old (in no particular order), Kimberly Akimbo is the winner of five Tony Awards including Best Musical. It features Tony-winning lyrics by David LindsayAbaire (Shrek), a Tony-winning score by Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home), choreography by Danny Mefford (Dear Evan Hansen), and direction by Tonynominated director Jessica Stone (Water for Elephants).
Kimberly is about to turn 16 and recently moved with her family to a new town in suburban New Jersey.
Helloooo Poppets! Everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny is headed to Fayetteville in the internationally acclaimed hit musical critics call “wonderful, heartwarming, and laugh-out-loud funny” (Manchester Evening News) and “a feel-good, family-friendly comedy that delivers” (The Hollywood Reporter). Based on the beloved film and directed by four-time Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks, Mrs. Doubtfire tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. It’s “the lovable, big-hearted musical comedy we need right now,” raves the Chicago Tribune – one that proves we’re better together. This can’t-miss musical takes the stage for four performances, Dec. 19-21, as part of Walton Arts Center’s Coca-Cola Night Out Series.
Introduce your grandkids to musical theater with a classic! There's trouble in River City when a fasttalking salesman gets his heart stolen by the town librarian. Meredith Willson's six-time, Tony Award-winning musical comedy The Music Man follows traveling salesman, Harold Hill, as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys' band that he vows to organize – this, despite the fact that he doesn't know a trombone from a treble clef. Featuring songs such as "Seventy-Six Trombones," "Trouble," "'Til There Was You," "Pickalittle" and “Gary, Indiana," The Music Man is a family-friendly story to be shared with every generation, and it comes to Walton Arts Center as part of the Pringles Family Fun Series for four performances, Jan. 16-18
Tickets to these and more shows are available now at waltonartscenter.org or by calling (479) 443-5600.
Kimberly Akimbo
Mrs. Doubtfire
“Slide for Life” Sensation Stunned the Ozarks
By Sandra Cox Birchfield, Shiloh Museum of Ozark History
He was known as “The Man Who Flirts with Death,” which was enough to capture anyone’s attention. Harry Rich most certainly did.
As a daredevil who toured the United States, Rich passed through the Ozarks regularly during the early 1900s. A fullpage ad in a 1916 issue of The Springdale News featured an illustration that needed no words: a man swinging from a rope affixed to scaffolding stationed atop a tall building as a crowd watched below. One of those times took place atop the Oriental Hotel, later known as the Mountain Inn, in Fayetteville.
In addition to performing magic shows at local theaters, his act also included firing a cannon suspended by a chain he held with his teeth, pulling three automobiles with the very same teeth and allowing an automobile to run over him. A local newspaper in 1920 ran a story about Rich’s plans to do stunts on a hot air balloon in Siloam Springs.
In an era without television and internet, Rich’s shows were all the more unusual and shocking. In Springdale, his performance caused an elderly man to faint. Two local boys, who likely never heard the phrase, “Kids, don’t
try this at home,” made news when they sustained minor injuries from attempting Rich’s trapeze act.
But he was best known for the “Slide for Life,” where he slid down a wire suspended from the roof of a tall building, which he did late spring in 1925 at the Ozark Theater in Fayetteville. That visit made an impression on Fayetteville Poet George Ballard, whose work sometimes appeared in the Fayetteville Daily Democrat. He wrote a poem, and a dark one at that, predicting that Rich’s daredevil antics would cost him his life.
And it did.
Less than two months after Rich’s last Fayetteville visit, he died in Milwaukee after the cable for his “Slide for Life” act broke, causing him to plummet 30 feet. This horrifying news was of particular interest locally. Rich’s truck, which contained his magic props, had been left behind in Fayetteville to retrieve later as he focused his tour on his physical feats. That truck was returned to his widow.
A year later, Rich’s death was overshadowed by a more notable magician and stunt performer: Harry Houdini, who died from appendicitis.
TOP PHOTO
Harry Rich poses in garb he may have worn when demonstrating his jawdropping trapeze-style stunts from up high in this undated publicity photo.
BOTTOM PHOTO
Daredevil and magician Harry Rich, second from left, poses with area magicians in front of his truck parked in front of the Ozark Theater and Washington County Courthouse in Fayetteville. Both buildings still stand. Shown here are, from left, W.D. Stone (“Whitestone”); Rich; W.K. Rose (“Royze”); and O.B. Hanks (“Otto”).
Building Strength & Function for Seniors Fighting Frailty:
Aging naturally brings a gradual decrease in muscle mass, bone density, and balance. Left unchecked, these changes can lead to conditions like sarcopenia and frailty. But here’s the good news: you have the power to better preserve your independence and regain strength. Research consistently shows that incorporating progressive resistance training and functional fitness into an exercise routine can greatly reduce fall risk and improve mobility.
From Research to Real Moves
This evidence-based approach is at the heart of new initiatives coming to Butterfield. BTV Wellness Director Jennifer Neill and Sara Perkins with Stein Physical Therapy attended a seminar that emphasized the importance of heavier weights and functional movements – not just light weights and simple stretches. They learned three key things:
• Older adults need enough resistance to stimulate muscle growth and bone density.
• Exercises should mimic everyday activities like standing up, climbing stairs or carrying groceries.
• Physical therapy and wellness programs should work together to provide consistent, evidencebased training.
...you have the power to better preserve your independence and regain strength.
Why Heavier Weights Matter After 65
Heavier weights are crucial for your health and mobility. Here’s why:
• Muscle fibers only grow stronger when challenged. Without enough resistance, the body can’t and won’t adapt.
• Stronger muscles protect joints and improve balance.
• Bone responds to load, and heavier weights help maintain bone density, reducing fracture risk.
Time for a BTV Gym Transformation
To bring these important principles to life, the Lodge Gym's open space is being redesigned to include more functional fitness equipment. The first addition will be a Smith Machine, a piece of strength training equipment with a fixed barbell that provides stability and safety. Regular workouts on the Smith Machine will offer:
• A secure way to safely lift heavier weights.
• Multi-joint exercises (hips, knees, shoulders) that improve real-world function.
• A path to increased muscle mass and bone density.
• Enhanced balance, coordination and fall recovery.
Once the new equipment arrives, fitness team member Kaysha Thompson will use her physical therapy training to help residents learn proper use, form and safe progressions. This is just the beginning as we strive to create a space where functional fitness and therapy align, helping our community thrive!
The Butterfield Trail Village Foundation is grateful for the gifts received between August 15 and October 6, 2025, from the following donors:
Unrestricted Fund
Kay Brewer in memory of Richard Jones
Elizabeth Houle in memory of Frank Price
Sam & Elizabeth Weathers in memory of Mary Wright
Curtis & Jane Shipley in memory of Charles Horne, Bill Currie and Karl Rice
Gaye Cypert in memory of Karl Rice and Jim Young
Lyle & Sue Gohn in memory of Bill Currie
Jerilyn & Nick Nicholson
Wulfran & Ingrid Polonius
Assisted Living Expansion Fund
Beth Vaughan-Wrobel
Grace Donoho in memory of Frank Price and Jim Young
Beautification Fund
Sabra Martin
Butterfly Garden Fund
Curtis & Jane Shipley in memory of Charles Horne, Bill Currie and Karl Rice
Garden Fund
Donna Epley in memory of Bill Currie
Five donations made by the Resident Farmers Market
Health Care Fund
Curtis & Jane Shipley in memory of Charles Horne, Bill Currie and Karl Rice Anonymous “Cottage Friends” in memory of Margaret Taylor and Pat Parsons
Special Thanks
It is with enormous appreciation that the BTV Foundation warmly recognizes Butterfield resident and member of the Foundation Board of Directors Beth Vaughan-Wrobel for her significant gift of $25,000 in support of the Assisted Living Expansion project. As a retired health professional who continues to dedicate her energy and lifetime of knowledge in support of BTV’s healthcare services, Beth recognizes and appreciates the importance and impact of the project on a very personal level. The Foundation is truly honored to receive her donation, not only because of her generosity, but also for the leadership she has demonstrated by making the first gift toward the Assisted Living capital project.
Get ready for holiday cheer!
Get ready for holiday cheer!
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER
Straight No Chaser: Holiday Road Tour
Nov. 4
Straight No Chaser: Holiday Road Tour
Nov. 4
Clue
Clue
Nov. 7-9 | 5 shows!
Nov. 7-9 | 5 shows!
Clue Cocktail Class
Nov. 7-9
Clue Cocktail Class
Nov. 7-9
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Nov. 10
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Nov. 10
Mike Stern Band with Leni Stern, Bob Franceschini, Jimmy Haslip & Steve Pruit
Mike Stern Band with Leni Stern, Bob Franceschini, Jimmy Haslip & Steve Pruit Nov. 15
Nov. 15
Wicked Sing-Along
Wicked Sing-Along
Nov. 15 | Tickets just $10!
Nov. 15 | Tickets just $10!
Soweto Gospel Choir: Peace
Soweto Gospel Choir: Peace
Nov. 16 | Tickets just $10!
Nov. 16 | Tickets just $10!
The Comedy Zone: Dustin Ybarra
The Comedy Zone: Dustin Ybarra
Nov. 21
Dog Man: The Musical Nov. 22-23 | 3 shows!
Dog Man: The Musical
Nov. 22-23 | 3 shows!
DECEMBER
DECEMBER
Old Crow Medicine Show’s Holiday Hootenanny
Old Crow Medicine Show’s Holiday Hootenanny
Dec. 3
WAC & SoNA present The Snowman: A Family Concert
WAC & SoNA present The Snowman: A Family Concert Tickets just $10
Dec. 7 | Tickets just $10
Kimberly Akimbo
Kimberly Akimbo 8 shows!
Dec. 9-14 | 8 shows!
Holiday Spirits Cocktail Class
Holiday Spirits Cocktail Class
Dec. 11-13
Dec. 11-13
The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra: A Holiday Equinox
The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra: A Holiday Equinox
Dec. 17 | Tickets just $10
Dec. 17 | Tickets just $10
Mrs. Doubtfire
Mrs. Doubtfire
Dec. 19-21 | 4 shows!
Dec. 19-21 | 4 shows!
Mrs. Doubtfire Cocktail Class
Mrs. Doubtfire Cocktail Class
Dec. 19-20
Dec. 19-20
Holiday Films: The Muppet Christmas
Carol & Home Alone
Holiday Films: The Muppet Christmas Carol & Home Alone
Dec. 23 | Tickets just $5!
Dec. 23 | Tickets just $5!
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
